Tripura: Elephant critically injured after being hit by speeding train in Khowai

A male elephant crossing the railway track between Teliamura and Mungiakami Railway stations in Tripura's Khowai district was hit by a speeding train, causing fractures in both its back legs.  
 

Speaking to the media, Khowai District Forest Officer (DFO) Akshay Bhorde, who rushed to the spot late last night, said the train was traveling at high speed, and the incident occurred due to the negligence of the locomotive pilot.  
 

"Yesterday, at around 7 PM, we received information that a wild elephant was injured after being hit by a train. As per the report, the train was heading toward Dharmanagar in the North District. The train had departed from Agartala Railway Station and crossed the Teliamura and Mungiakami Railway stations around 7 PM, which is an elephant corridor. Upon receiving the information, we rushed to the spot. The accident occurred within a 100-meter stretch known to be an elephant corridor. The railway authorities are aware they need to control speed and drive cautiously in this area," he said.  
 

The DFO further explained that the elephant was crossing the railway track when it was hit by the train. This particular elephant is considered one of the healthiest and largest in Tripura.  
 

"Both back legs are fractured, so the elephant crawled into the forest after the accident. A medical team and forest staff are on-site, and treatment is underway. We are also providing food. However, the train was traveling at high speed, and the negligence of the locomotive pilot led to the incident. They didn't even inform forest officials about the accident," he added.
 

Animal Resources Development Department Minister Sudhangshu Das lauded the efforts of forest department and said, "Commendable bravery and tireless dedication.


A heartfelt appreciation to the team of Veterinary Fraternity under Teliamura, Khowai, for their swift and courageous response in providing emergency treatment to an elephant injured by a train at Atharahmurah Hills during the midnight hours".